Q&A with Mahmoud Abougabal, Director at HKA in Dubai

Mahmoud Abougabal is a Director at HKA in Dubai, specialising in litigation and delay analysis. 1,5 years since joining the global consultancy, we asked him five questions about his background, areas of expertise and life at HKA.

What attracted you to the field of delay analysis?

I am an architect by background. I obtained a master’s degree in project management in construction and infrastructure and, more recently, a master’s degree in construction law and dispute resolution. In the case of delay analysis, I have always been interested in figuring out how and why things work. So, this made me curious why construction programmes were overrun, and to what extent.

Delay analysis is highly dependent on fact-checking, solid reasoning, as well as objective and coherent storytelling. These are not just work skills because developing such skills is also invaluable to life in general.

What track record do you bring to clients?

Early in my career, I worked on the design, planning and delivery stages of major construction and infrastructure projects. These included the expansion of the Holy Mosque in Mecca, the Dubai Water Canal and Fujairah Oil Terminal 2.

Since specialising in litigation, I have been cross-examined in litigation on more than 30 occasions in both English and Arabic. I have acted as the expert for disputes with individual values in excess of $100 million including an international airport, landmark museum, power plant, and residential towers. In addition, I have been involved in an arbitration at the Dubai International Arbitration Centre and in DAB proceedings.

What inspires you in your role?

If you grew up watching Whodunnit plays, you may have experienced, first-hand, the thrill of connecting the dots to see the bigger picture. This feels especially good if you get to help clients in dire need of such services!

Describe a typical day in your role.

I always plan my day ahead, so I dedicate time for emails and admin-related tasks (usually towards the beginning and end of the day) so that the rest of the day is left for focused work.

There will also always be days in the week when I am meeting clients or doing presentations, and I am so glad now that we can finally have in-person meetings following the Covi-19 pandemic.

Why is HKA a stand-out employer for you?

HKA is a truly global entity. It is modern, ambitious, and agile, and employs some of the most brilliant minds in the market and professionals in their respective fields. I have also been incredibly impressed by HKA’s transparent and serious take on diversity with how HKA treats everyone equally, with dignity and respect.